January 24, 2014

Review: Nespresso Bukeela Pure Origin from Ethiopia

Nespresso announced their new Pure Origin Bukeela ka Ethiopia capsule this week, a low intensity capsule that is a 3 on a 12 (used to be a 10 scale before Kazaar). the flavor is "Floral and Wild".

Last year Nespresso said that they would be putting out more Lungos to compete in the US more effectively, where people want cups/mugs of coffee, versus Europe, where short espressos rule. The Bukeela is a "Lungo" which is recommended to be brewed to 4 ounces/110 ml. (See my Post on Setting Brew Volumes if you need to change your Lungo Brew size)

The Bukeela blend is made form a washed Arabica from the Sidama region, claiming to be the source of its floral notes, while the other beans are sourced from the western provinces bringing on their "wild" flavors.

Nespresso is pitching Bukeela together with the other three Pure Origin capsules making me think that the blend is making its debut with the plans that this is a permanent addition. If not, it would probably have a "Limited" or "Special" name.

Brewing Bukeela ka Ethiopia

With automatic machines, brewing a Lungo is easy, hitting the button with the larger of the two cup icons. It should be programmed to deliver about 3.75 or 4 ounces. If not, you can easily reprogram it to brew what you want. The aroma is subtle, and inviting, with a lighter coffee aroma that really is pretty inviting.

If these are supposed to appeal to the US drinker as a Lungo, you'd better brew a few. At just 4 ounces, you'll need two or three to fill up that travel mug, and something like the whole sleeve to fill up the Bubba Mug every morning.

Tasting Bukeela ka Ethiopia

I made the Bukeela straight, and then with some sugar, and enjoyed both. The flavor is light, and flavorful, with a solid depth. The aroma is definitely woody, like Nespresso claims, and a fun, fresh spice flavor that is really pretty good. It's not peppery, fruity, or candy-like/licorice. It's really pretty fun to taste.

According to Nespresso, the Bukeela Capsule will be: "FLORAL AND WILD: Composed of two very different Arabicas from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, this delicately fresh and floral Pure Origin Lungo reveals unexpectedly wild notes of musk and wood."

Terry Smith: do you have a refillable capsule for a Nescafe Dolce read moreMike: This prime for an air lock worked perfectly. To avoid read moreSH: @Bogiesan... Have you tried calling the Customer Service line to read moreBogiesan: This capsule seems to have sold out. I've been looking read moreHennie Greeff: Where can I get hold of an operating manual for read more